Foundation Repair Case Studies: Restoring the Foundation of Your Forever Home: A Solution That Lasts
Challenge
Martha's home, nestled in the tranquil town of Polk City, IA, is her forever abode. Constructed in 2001, it holds countless memories and has a special place in her heart. However, over the years, Martha noticed cracks and settling in her concrete. Concerned about the long-term impact, she sought alternative solutions to the costly and time-consuming option of full concrete replacement.
After numerous failed attempts to obtain pricing for replacement, Martha discovered Midwest Foundation Repair. Impressed by our comprehensive approach and competitive pricing, she made the decision to entrust her home to our capable team. With Midwest, Martha found a solution that fit her budget and delivered lasting results.
Diagnosing the root cause of concrete issues is crucial. That's why we send our dedicated System Design Specialists (SDS), such as our expert James Denning, for a free consultation.
Understanding the Problem:
Concrete settlement and cracking can be concerning for homeowners, as they indicate underlying issues with the foundation of their homes. At Midwest Foundation Repair, we believe in providing our clients with a comprehensive understanding of the problems affecting their properties. In Martha's case, we carefully examined the factors contributing to her concrete settlement to develop an effective solution.
Concrete settlement occurs when the soil beneath the slab is compromised, causing the concrete to sink and crack. There are several common reasons for this phenomenon. First, poorly compacted soil during the initial construction can create voids beneath the concrete, leading to settlement over time. Additionally, excessively dry or wet soil conditions can contribute to the deterioration of the soil's stability, further exacerbating the settlement issues.
One significant factor that Martha's case highlighted is the impact of water flow through control joints. Control joints are intentional cracks scored into concrete during the pouring process, designed to control where the concrete will crack as it naturally expands and contracts. However, these joints can also become pathways for water to seep beneath the concrete slab. Over time, as water runs through these cracks, it softens the soil beneath the slab, creating voids and contributing to settlement.
Furthermore, water infiltration can lead to erosion, where the soil is carried away from under the slab entirely. This erosion causes additional voids and further compromises the stability of the concrete. Left unaddressed, these settlement issues can pose safety hazards, create uneven surfaces, and potentially impact the structural integrity of the entire home.
Solution
With a comprehensive understanding of Martha's concrete settlement issues, we moved forward with implementing our innovative solution: the PolyLevel System and NexusPro Sealant.
PolyLevel System:
PolyLevel is a cutting-edge solution offered by Midwest Foundation Repair to address sinking and uneven concrete surfaces. This innovative system revolutionizes traditional methods of concrete repair, providing homeowners with a long-lasting and efficient solution.
PolyLevel utilizes high-density, lightweight, structural-grade polymers to lift, level, and stabilize sunken concrete slabs. These polymers are injected into the affected areas through small, strategically placed holes in the concrete. The injection process is minimally invasive, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area and preserving the aesthetics of your property.
One of the significant advantages of PolyLevel is its ability to achieve precise and controlled lifting of the concrete. The expanding properties of the specialized foam ensure that the slab is raised to the desired level, eliminating trip hazards, uneven surfaces, and other safety concerns. Unlike traditional mudjacking methods that use heavy concrete and mud mixtures, PolyLevel's lightweight foam provides a reliable and long-lasting solution.
PolyLevel offers several key benefits that make it an ideal choice for homeowners:
Durability and Strength: The high-density polymer foam used in the PolyLevel system provides exceptional load-bearing capacity. It effectively supports the weight of the concrete slab while remaining lightweight itself. This ensures that the lifted concrete remains stable and resistant to future settling.
Minimal Disruption: The installation process of PolyLevel is quick and efficient. The small injection holes made in the concrete are carefully patched, leaving behind a clean and finished appearance. The fast curing time of the foam allows for minimal downtime, allowing you to resume regular use of the repaired area within a short period.
Versatility: PolyLevel can be applied to various concrete surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and even interior slabs. Whether you are dealing with minor settlement or significant sinking issues, PolyLevel offers a versatile solution that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Longevity: PolyLevel is designed to last. The polymer foam is waterproof and resistant to erosion, ensuring that it remains stable and intact even in challenging weather conditions. It outperforms traditional concrete repairs and provides a reliable, long-term solution for your sinking or uneven concrete surfaces.
Environmentally Friendly: PolyLevel is an environmentally conscious choice. By opting for PolyLevel instead of complete concrete replacement, you reduce the demand for new concrete production, which has a significant environmental impact. The foam does not deteriorate over time, minimizing waste and ensuring the longevity of the repaired concrete surfaces.
NexusPro Sealant:
In conjunction with the PolyLevel System, we applied NexusPro joint sealant to address the cracks and protect Martha's concrete from further damage. NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant specially formulated to resist UV rays, temperature changes, and natural wear and tear. Its advanced composition remains pliable, ensuring a tight seal and preventing water infiltration, which can lead to soil erosion and additional settling.
Prior to applying NexusPro, our team thoroughly prepared the joints, seams, and cracks in Martha's concrete. The surfaces were meticulously cleaned to remove debris, and any necessary grinding and filling were performed to ensure a smooth and uniform appearance. Finally, the sealant was skillfully applied, creating a clean and finished look that seamlessly matched Martha's existing concrete.
At Midwest Foundation Repair, we take pride in delivering comprehensive, long-lasting solutions to address our clients' foundation issues.
If you're experiencing similar problems with your home's foundation, don't wait for the issues to worsen. Take action today by scheduling a free consultation with our team of experts.
